In this blog I will be giving my political opinions on both issues at home and abroad.
I will also focus on the issues that affect the people of Ipswich and in particular those who live in Rushmere Ward.
I will also try and give an insight to how I will be campaigning in Rushmere and Ipswich as we fight against the savage cuts imposed by this Tory Government

Wednesday, 24 April 2013

Labour yesterday launched a campaign, ‘Fighting Fitter’, to encourage the leisure sector to offer discounted services to members of the Armed Forces. Whether Local Authority-led or privately-run, fitness facilities play a vital role in our communities keeping people fit. This is essential for members of the Armed Forces who, when away from their base, can often lack the resources to access health and fitness centres.

The campaign is working with two leading health facilities, PureGym and Virgin Active and expects similar initiatives to be rolled out across the sector in the coming weeks and months.

PureGym is waiving the joining fee of £25 for all members of the Armed Forces. To reclaim the offer they have to visit their local PureGym and show their ID card.

Labour is also encouraging Local Authorities to offer similar discounts. In this region, Ipswich Borough Council gave free 'i' cards- giving use of IBC swimming pools to soldiers from Wattisham residing in Ipswich.

Our Armed Forces, veterans and their families deserve respect. Labour is standing up for our Armed Forces. In the local election on 2 May a vote for Labour councillors is a vote for a five point plan of action, below, to support our Armed Forces:

•Naming streets after fallen heroes, offering families the chance to have a lasting commemoration to lost loved ones
•The Veterans Interview Programme (VIP), offering employment support for veterans
•Veterans Champions, a single point of contact to help veterans transition to civilian life
•Supporting the Community Covenant, urging local communities to support veterans and service families
•Fighting Fitter, working with the leisure sector to deliver discounts for members of the Armed Forces

I added:

“Ipswich led the way, supplying free tickets for the Regent through the Forces Charity- 'Tickets for Troops' and then went further by giving out free 'i' cards- giving use of IBC swimming pools to soldiers from Wattisham residing in Ipswich.

“As Veterans Champion, I know how important the 'fighting fitter' campaign is as soldiers struggle with the physical and sometimes mental scars left by their time in uniform. Ipswich is a great town to settle in and many soldiers from Wattisham will make this town their home when they leave the services, it is important we do all we can to help them settle into civilian life after they have served this country for so long.”

Jim Murphy MP Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary said:

“Fighting Fitter will benefit those who serve in the dust and danger of battlefields overseas.

“It is essential that all parts of our communities at home give to those who give so much on the frontline.

“We must protect the health and fitness of those who protect our nation.

“I am delighted major national companies and councils have taken the lead to demonstrate the pride we all feel in our Forces.

“We all have a responsibility to ensure the Armed Forces Covenant can become a reality for each and every member of the Forces and their families.”

About Me

I am 55 and married with two children, I stood for the Labour Party in the Rushmere Ward in Ipswich at 2006 and 2007 local elections and then won it for Labour on May 1st 2008 with a majority of 13 before retaining the seat in 2012 with a majority of over 500. I retaining the seat again in 2016.
I live in the ward and I was born in Ipswich and both my parents (Annie and Peter Ross) were Labour councillors in Ipswich.
I went to Tower Ramparts School in the town (Yes, it was a school before it became a shopping centre!)
In 1978, I left Ipswich to join the army. I spent 24 years in the Royal Green Jackets, serving in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Kosova.
Since leaving the army in 2002, I have worked in a local school.
I spent 2009 back with the army, 7 months in Sangin, Afghanistan as Operations Warrant Officer with 2 Rifles.
I am the campaign organisor in Rushmere
Sport is my other great interest and I was one of the founding members of the Ipswich Town Independent Supporters Trust.